Barrister Fatima Shaheen is a known TV personality because of her legal issues chat show for the national broadcaster, Pakistan Television. Her TV persona and grip on the subject matter has earned her a lot of praises and makes her one of the most promising names and faces of the media industry. Fatima does not stop at being a TV presenter or a lawyer, she has also made her name as a social media influencer.
Recently we gathered that the barrister turned TV host is starting her new TV show for PTV World. We reached out to her and here is how the discussion went on.
MediaSpringPK: We hear that you’re starting a new show with PTV World, what is your new show about?
Fatima Shaheen: My new show will deal with issues not catered to by either morning shows or political talk shows. It will be focused on discussing various social issues (especially those affecting the common Pakistani man). Issues like mental health, trans-rights, traffic accidents, problems faced by Pakistani youth etc. which are otherwise don’t get much screen space on private TV Channels, will be taken up and discussed.
The aim of the show will be to project a positive image of Pakistan, especially in terms of its’ socio-legal development over the years.
MediaSpringPK: What are the main goals you are trying to achieve with this show?
Fatima Shaheen: By highlighting all the meaningful & constructive work done regarding eradication of various social evils by Pakistani lawmakers, Pakistani Government, activists, masses/youth, even celebrities — the aim of the show will be to project Pakistan in a positive light, that too internationally.
Considering PTV World has an international viewership, the show will also aim to create awareness about progressive government policies/laws on an international level; suggesting proposals for reforms where necessary. This show will definitely help project Pakistan as a socially progressive country.
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MediaSpringPK: What role do you think national broadcaster plays in such competitive media times?
Fatima Shaheen: The national broadcaster undoubtedly yields unprecedented power over its’ viewers—especially those living in rural areas, which comprise more than 60% of the Pakistani population. It is most probably the only Channel they get to see considering PTV is the only channel, which can be seen without a cable connection.
Accordingly, national broadcaster plays a pivotal part in producing programmes/dramas/talk shows which cater to all segments and stratas of the society be it poor, be it elite, be it women/children/men/masses at large. Unlike private TV Channels, PTV bears the responsibility of being ‘socially responsible’ and producing programmers which not only glorify all the negatives in the country but which also project the positive developments in our society.
MediaSpringPK: You are a Barrister (lawyer) yourself, TV presenter and a social media influencer too. How do you strike that balance?
Fatima Shaheen: The fact that all my work –i.e. as a lawyer/TV anchor or a social media influencer revolves around the same subject/s i.e. human rights & protection of the same has always helped me strike that balance.
As a lawyer I have been passionate about human rights litigation; as a TV anchor I have always done shows based on creating awareness of the same, and as a social media influencer, I have used my fan following to advocate human rights causes! If one is consistent and clear about the purpose of their work. I don’t think it’s difficult to strike a balance.
MediaSpringPK: When can we see this new show and how will it be different from ‘Qanoon Bolta Hai’?
Fatima Sheheen: Let the airing date be a surprise —but to answer your question…the show will launch soon enough!
This show will be very different from ‘Qanoon Bolta Hai’ (QBH), as QBH was based strictly on legal issues—Pakistani laws and enforcement of the same. My new show with PTV World will have a wider ambit and as mentioned above, will probably cover anything and everything which affects the Pakistani common man at large.
The scope of the discussion, the guest list/participants will also be more dynamic than what they were on QBH, as here I will be interviewing professionals from all walks of life (and not just lawyers) to discuss and debate on the different topics under discussion.
MediaSpringPK: Your message for the readers and followers of MediaSpringPK?
Fatima Shaheen: Do it with passion or not at all!
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